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Books about Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is coming up soon! (This year we will honor Dr. King on Monday, January 19). It’s important to teach young children about the impact Martin Luther King, Jr. had on our lives today. What better way to teach about this great man than with high quality children’s books? This list of 20 picture books is a great place to start.

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Twenty Books about MLK Jr

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Life of Fairness

Martin Luther King, Jr. dreamed about a day when people would not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. This book introduces young readers to a man who fully believed in fairness. Find it on Amazon.

My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

What was it like growing up as a son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? This picture book memoir,My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King III, provides insight into one of history’s most fascinating families and into a special bond between father and son.

Martin Luther King III was one of those four little children mentioned in Martin Luther King’s groundbreaking “I Have a Dream” speech. In this memoir, Martin Luther King Jr.’s son gives an intimate look at the man and the father behind the civil rights leader. Mr. King’s remembrances show both his warm, loving family and a momentous time in American history. Find it on Amazon.

A Lesson for Martin Luther King Jr (Ready to Read)

A Lesson for Martin Luther King, Jr.

Young Martin Luther King Jr. is having some problems with his best friend, Bobby. First, they are going to different schools this year. Next, Bobby’s dad is not letting his son play with Martin. When Martin learns why, he is confused and hurt — but he learns a lesson that he will never forget. Find it on Amazon.

Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King

Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King, Jr.

This book is beautifully-rendered study of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, told in simple, straightforward language for even the youngest of readers to understand. Pinkney’s scratchboard and oil pastel illustrations convey both the strength and gentleness of King’s character. Both text and art carry his central message of peace and brotherhood among all people. Find it on Amazon.

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This picture-book biography is an excellent and accessible introduction for young readers to learn about one of the world’s most influential leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Doreen Rappaport weaves the immortal words of Dr. King into a captivating narrative to tell the story of his life. With stunning art by acclaimed illustrator Bryan Collier, Martin’s Big Words is an unforgettable portrait of a man whose dream changed America-and the world-forever. Find it on Amazon.

My First Biography: Martin Luther King, Jr.

My First Biography: Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a great man. His words changed the way people thought, and his actions spurred them on to change the world. With simple, lyrical text and bold, kid-friendly illustrations, this book introduces Dr. King to the youngest readers and inspires them to change the world. Find it on Amazon.

I Have a Dream

I Have a Dream

From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King: “My father’s dream continues to live on from generation to generation, and this beautiful and powerful illustrated edition of his world-changing “I Have a Dream” speech brings his inspiring message of freedom, equality, and peace to the youngest among us—those who will one day carry his dream forward for everyone.”

The themes of equality and freedom for all are not only relevant today, 50 years later, but also provide young readers with an important introduction to our nation’s past. Included with the book is an audio CD of the speech. Find it on Amazon.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

A basic overview of Martin Luther King Jr. Day for emergent readers. Color photographs reflect the short, easy-to-understand sentences that improve vocabulary and comprehension. Find it on Amazon.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. and the March on Washington

On August 28, 1963, more than 250,000 people came to the nation’s capital. They came by plane, by bus, by car–even on roller-skates–to speak out against segregation and to demand equal rights for everyone. They also came to hear the words of a very special leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. Told with a wonderful immediacy, this book captures the spirit of this landmark day in American history and brings Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech to vivid life for young children. Find it on Amazon.

Robin Hill School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Robin Hill School: Martin Luther King, Jr.

When Mrs. Conner’s class learns about a great man, they discover their own dreams and hopes for a better world! Find it on Amazon.

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s microphone

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Microphone

When Digby and his sister Hannah discover Martin Luther King Jr.’s microphone at Mr. Rummages antique stall, they find that the proprietor has a lot to teach them about the civil rights leader. Find it on Amazon.

Meet Martin Luther King, Jr.

Meet Martin Luther King, Jr.

This title is suitable for ages 4 to 8 years. Beginning with King`s childhood and following his life through his ” I Have a Dream Speech” and subsequent death, this book reveals (in age-appropriate language) how King ended segregation in America and influenced the way we live our lives today. Find it on Amazon.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Rookie Biographies: Martin Luther King, Jr.

Simple, engaging text and vivid photographs introduce young learners to the most important and influential men and women in history. From presidents, to civil rights leaders, to visionary artists, young readers will learn about how these individuals worked to attain their goals and accomplished what few others have. Find it on Amazon.

Martin's Dream (Ready to Read)

Martin’s Dream

In 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech that proclaimed that it was time – long overdue – for all men to be treated as equals. Today his beliefs are more important than ever, and author Jane Kurtz explains Dr. King’s words in language even the youngest reader can understand. Find it on Amazon.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr.: Young Man with a Dream

One of the most popular series ever published for young Americans, these classics have been praised alike by parents, teachers, and librarians. With these lively, inspiring, fictionalized biographies — easily read by children of eight and up — today’s youngster is swept right into history. Find it on Amazon.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr. believed everyone was equal. He worked hard to peacefully change laws and unite people. Lets celebrate him on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Find it on Amazon.

Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr?

Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was only 25 when he helped organize the Montgomery Bus Boycott and was soon organizing black people across the country in support of the right to vote, desegregation, and other basic civil rights. Maintaining nonviolent and peaceful tactics even when his life was threatened, King was also an advocate for the poor and spoke out against racial and economic injustice until his death from an assassin’s bullet in 1968. With clearly written text that explains this tumultuous time in history and 80 black-and-white illustrations, this Who Was? celebrates the vision and the legacy of a remarkable man. Find it on Amazon.

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Mrs. Park's Class

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with Mrs. Park’s Class

The students in Mrs. Park’s class prepare to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. ‘s Day by thinking about the values he taught. Contains an informative section on Martin Luther King, Jr. Find it on Amazon.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

What are the seven symbols of Kwanzaa? Why do we celebrate Groundhog Day? These all new, modern holiday books give readers the inside scoop on how some of our favorite holidays came to be and how we celebrate them today— from Christmas to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Find it on Amazon.

A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr.

A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr.

A brief, illustrated, biography of the Baptist minister and civil rights leader whose philosophy and practice of nonviolent civil disobedience helped American blacks win many battles for equal rights. Find it on Amazon.

Interactive Sight Word Readers about MLK

You can also provide your kindergarten students with a just-right book that they can read and work on sight word skills. Interactive Sight Word Readers provide students with an opportunity to cut, unscramble and glue a focused sight word and develop mastery of the word. Two Interactive Sight Word Readers are available for only $1 each in my TpT store. Click to purchase “What Would Martin Luther King Say?” and “Here is Martin Luther King, Jr“.

Interactive Sight Word Readers about Martin Luther King Jr.

20 books about Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

How do you teach about Martin Luther King, Jr. in your classroom?

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Maria Gavin

Maria is a former kindergarten and first grade teacher, with 13 years of teaching experience. Her love and passion for all things early childhood is now fulfilled as a mom to two amazing kids. She loves sharing practical and creative tips and ideas that are perfect for young learners – in the classroom or at home!

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8 Responses

  1. Thanks, Maria for taking the time to give a little review on each of these books. I went straight to Amazon and ordered a few of them. Since I’ve been teaching awhile, I thought I had plenty of MLK books to use for my unit, but after seeing your post, I realized that there are some that will be extremely age appropriate for my kinder cubs. I am especially intrigued by the one about him being a daddy….what a great perspective to see him from for my sweet kinders. Looking forward to reading these in the classroom!! Linda Groce

  2. Great post! I’m the librarian at my school and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is one of my favorite holidays to teach. My students love Martin’s Big Words and I Have a Dream! I am going to purchase a few more of these!

    1. Martin’s Big Words has always been a favorite of mine. I don’t usually read it in my kindergarten classroom because I worry that it is a little to dark for my students, but I love that book so much.

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Hi, I'm Maria.

I’m a former kindergarten teacher turned work-from-home mom. I still love sharing ideas and resources to make teaching easier, so you can focus on what really matters in the classroom. When I’m not working on the blog, you’ll find me chasing kids around the house with a cold cup of coffee in my hand (some things never change even once you’re out of the classroom!)

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